Amare = Love in ACTION

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MEET OUR TEAM

We’ve brought together a remarkable group of individuals who share a profound connection to the challenges of drug and alcohol addiction. Many of our staff have walked the path of recovery themselves or have supported loved ones through it, giving them a unique, deeply personal understanding of what true healing requires. With more than 70 years of combined long-term recovery, our team offers compassionate, empathetic care grounded in real-life experience—because we don’t just understand recovery, we live it.

Carson Conn, MA
Carson Conn, MAExecutive Director
Carson earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2021, providing her with a strong foundation in human behavior and social systems. She recently completed her Master’s Degree in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling at McKendree University, further deepening her commitment to supporting individuals and families on their recovery journeys. Carson is deeply dedicated to serving the community and brings compassion, clinical knowledge, and a passion for holistic care to her work at Amare.
Tyrone Hill, CPRS, CRSS
Tyrone Hill, CPRS, CRSSAssociate Director
Tyrone Hill is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Certified Recovery Support Specialist who has been with Amare since the early days, helping shape the organization from the ground up. Tyrone has played a key role in supporting individuals on their recovery journeys through one-on-one peer coaching, leading recovery groups, and building strong community partnerships. Tyrone is a passionate advocate for individuals impacted by incarceration, using his voice and experience to break stigma, inspire change, and create pathways to recovery and reintegration. His work is rooted in lived experience, deep empathy, and an unwavering belief that recovery is possible for everyone.

Tyrone’s recovery date: April 10, 2019

Alida Kistler, CPRS
Alida Kistler, CPRSRecovery Support Director
Alida Kistler serves as Amare’s Recovery Manager and is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. With a deep passion for helping individuals find recovery and healing, Alida brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is known for her unwavering loyalty to the recovery community and her steadfast commitment to walking alongside individuals as they navigate their path to wellness. Alida’s dedication, compassion, and leadership have made her an essential part of the Amare team and a trusted support for those she serves.

Alida’s recovery date: December 29, 2011

Rick Richardson
Rick RichardsonCo-Occurring Recovery Coach
Rick has been part of Amare since its early days, bringing unwavering dedication and a heartfelt commitment to the mission. With a deep passion for empowering individuals to become self-sustaining—both in their recovery and in their everyday lives—Rick pours his experience, insight, and compassion into every person he works with.

His own journey includes a powerful story of resilience, healing, and triumph over hardship. Rick openly draws from these lived experiences to inspire hope and to guide others toward lasting change. His strength, empathy, and ability to connect make him an invaluable presence within the Amare community.

Lindsey McCoy
Lindsey McCoyFamily Connections Coordinator
Lindsey McCoy is Amare’s Family Connections Coordinator, working directly with loved ones of individuals struggling with substance use disorder. She approaches her work with heartfelt enthusiasm and a deep commitment to supporting those who care for someone battling addiction. With a passion for fostering connection and building community, Lindsey helps families and friends find the support, understanding, and strength they need to navigate the challenges of recovery together.

In addition to her work with families, Lindsey is also a talented photographer whose creative eye helps expand Amare’s outreach and visual storytelling. Her ability to capture meaningful moments reflects her dedication to uplifting the recovery journey in all its forms.

Samantha Dugan, CPRS
Samantha Dugan, CPRSHospital-Based Recovery Coach
Samantha Dugan is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist based within Anderson Hospital and a powerful presence within the Amare team. She plays a key role in supporting mothers navigating the DCFS system, offering gentle, nonjudgmental guidance to help them find stability, hope, and healing. Samantha’s approach is rooted in empathy and lived experience, making her a trusted advocate for those facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Her strength, resilience, and heart continue to inspire everyone around her. Samantha is proof that recovery is not only possible, but transformative.

Samantha’s Recovery Date: February 12, 2022

Andrea McManus
Andrea McManusRecovery Coach
Andrea brings warmth and positivity to everything she does. Once a peer of Amare, she now supports individuals as a dedicated recovery coach, offering the same compassion and guidance that once helped her. A familiar face in the recovery community, Andrea is known for her uplifting spirit and genuine care for others. Her encouraging presence has a way of brightening the day of everyone she meets, making her an invaluable part of the Amare family.

Andrea’s recovery date: June 21, 2022.

Brooke Tyler
Brooke TylerColliegate Recovery Coach
Brooke is a true powerhouse—blending exceptional work ethic with genuine compassion. Driven by a deep commitment to giving her best in every situation, she approaches each person she meets with empathy, care, and a desire to make a meaningful difference. Whether offering practical support or simply being a steady, encouraging presence, Brooke consistently goes above and beyond, leaving a positive and lasting impact on those around her.

Brooke’s recovery date: October 23, 2023

Brittney Yotter
Brittney YotterAmpact, Recovery Navigator
Brittney’s unique experiences and passion for helping individuals find recovery make her an incredible asset to our team. She has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting others with empathy and strength. Her lived experience brings authenticity and inspiration to her work.

Brittney’s Recovery date: July 17, 2023

Rosalind Davis
Rosalind DavisUnhoused Recovery Coach
Rosalind Davis brings more than three decades of lived experience and passion to her role as Amare’s Unhoused Recovery Coach. Rosalind is deeply committed to supporting individuals who are navigating homelessness and substance use challenges.
Known for her strong work ethic and genuine compassion, she meets peers where they are and helps them build stability, hope, and connection. Rosalind’s work is rooted in empathy, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance at recovery and a path toward a better future.
Her presence strengthens our outreach in St. Clair County, particularly in the East St. Louis area, where her community knowledge and relationships help her connect with peers in meaningful and impactful ways.

Rosalind’s Recovery date: October 31, 1991

Mary Mullins
Mary MullinsExecutive Administrative Assistant
Mary Mullins is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a rich history of working with youth and supporting individuals impacted by substance use. With years of experience in counseling, Mary brings a compassionate and caring presence to every interaction. She is a warm light in the recovery community—known for sharing meaningful stories, offering

nonjudgmental support, and helping anyone and everyone in need. Mary’s dedication to healing and her ability to connect deeply with others make her an invaluable part of the Amare team.

Deliah Ashbaugh, CPRS, CRSS
Deliah Ashbaugh, CPRS, CRSSRecovery Coach
Deliah “Dee” Ashbaugh is one of the newest members of our Recovery Coach team at Amare. Dee brings deep compassion, lived experience, and a genuine passion for helping others heal. She believes in meeting people exactly where they are and walking alongside them on their unique path to recovery. Dee is in long-term recovery herself. Her journey is guided by the belief that “with God, all things are possible”—and that even faith the size of a mustard seed can lead to powerful transformation. A strong advocate for connection and compassion, Dee also believes that everyone should experience the unconditional love of a dog.

Dee’s Recovery date: June 8, 2017

Our Board of Directors

Danne Reinke

President

Linda Kunz

Treasurer

Jean Schram

Ryan Lampert

Tom Caraker (TC)

Zachary George

Shawna Aughenbaugh

Dawn Cordle

 Some History

Founded in 2015 by Ty Bechel, Amare emerged from a need for a unified, community-driven approach to addiction recovery. Ty recognized a gap between clinical treatment and 12-step programs and aimed to bridge it through a holistic model focused on recovery, education, and awareness.

Originally called “Enough,” the organization was renamed Amare—the Italian verb for “to love”—reflecting its philosophy of love in action. This belief fuels Amare’s work with individuals, families, and communities through compassionate support, education, and outreach to reduce stigma and promote healing.

Our mission is to educate, empower, and provide compassionate recovery support to those affected by addiction—helping build a healthier, more connected community.